Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2016
37. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Naval Service humanitarian mission to the Mediterranean Sea will continue to be a unilateral one or if he is giving consideration to integrating the Irish contribution in wider EU efforts. [39809/16]
View answerFollowing a Government decision on 12 May 2015, three Naval Service vessels, LE Eithne, LE Niamh and LE Samuel Beckett, were deployed to the Mediterranean between May and November 2015 to assist the Italian authorities with the migrant crisis. During that period, 8,592 people were rescued in the Mediterranean by Irish Naval Service vessels.
On 6 April 2016, the Government approved the return of a Naval Service vessel to undertake humanitarian search and rescue tasks in the Mediterranean. From May to December 2016, three Naval Service vessels, LE Róisín, LE James Joyce and LE Samuel Beckett, were deployed to the Mediterranean. LE Samuel Beckett has recently completed its mission in the Mediterranean and is scheduled to return to the Naval Service base soon. A total of 7,029 people were rescued by Irish Naval Service vessels in 2016.
To date, Irish participation in the humanitarian mission has resulted in the rescue of over 15,600 migrants, which clearly demonstrates the value of Ireland’s involvement in this important humanitarian response. Tragically, a total of 74 bodies were also recovered by the Naval Service during search and rescue operations.
The despatch of Irish vessels was subject to a bilateral arrangement with the Italian Government on the deployment and operation of the Irish vessels and on the disembarkation and reception of any persons rescued or vessels in distress, in accordance with the applicable international conventions on the rescue of persons in distress at sea. The question of further deployment to the Mediterranean in 2017 is currently under consideration.
EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia is another element of the comprehensive approach being pursued by the EU to address the migration crisis. The primary role of Operation Sophia is targeted at security and countering people trafficking, and ultimately, preventing the loss of life at sea. Ireland has not, to date, participated in this mission. While Ireland remains fully supportive of the EU approach to this crisis, there are currently no plans to deploy Naval Service personnel or vessels to Operation Sophia at this time.
Last night, the Taoiseach, who is also the Minister for Defence, accepted the European Movement Ireland European of the year award on behalf of the Defence Forces. It was a special tribute which endorsed the efforts and sacrifices made by our Defence Forces personnel in the Mediterranean. The Taoiseach said last night that part of our commitment to Europe means working together with our partners to respond to the many challenges we face. The work of our Defence Forces is the clearest practical fulfilment of that commitment. He also said:
The current humanitarian mission in the Mediterranean is a particularly vivid example of the professionalism of the Naval Service, and indeed of Ireland’s solidarity with Europe. In response to the needs of people on the frontier of Europe, the six vessels which have patrolled the sea over two years have saved a total of 15,600 lives. While it is a tragedy that so many people attempt these dangerous crossings - and we are working to address that - the achievements of our Naval Service are indeed remarkable.
I agree wholeheartedly with him. We all agree that the Taoiseach is correct that this is a meaningful and important contribution to European solidarity. However, it is not the case that it is part of an integrated European approach. Instead, it is an isolated bilateral contribution. While in no way minimising the significance of what the Naval Service is doing in humanitarian terms in Europe, is it possible that the effect of this is to minimise the potential greater effectiveness of the Irish contribution? Does the Minister of State feel that if it was part of an integrated mission, the Irish contribution could be even more effective?
There are several policy issues around Ireland being part of the full Operation Sophia. Ireland’s response to the humanitarian effort in the Mediterranean in 2015 and 2016 was effective, however. I am not sure if the Deputy saw the programme "The Crossing" last night on television. It was excellent coverage of the work of the Naval Service in the Mediterranean. There were some absolutely harrowing pictures of what exactly it does every day. I would be favourable towards the continuation of this mission and humanitarian effort.
Will Members please stick to the times allowed? If we do not stick to them, some Members will not get to ask their questions.
In practical terms, participation in larger integrated search missions rather than isolated efforts would allow refuelling and resupply at sea, as well as integration with air support such as medevac. The Naval Service’s Operation Pontus is operating solely as a bilateral humanitarian mission and is isolated from associated EU operations such as the Frontex mission, the EU Common Security and Defence Policy, CSDP, mission, and Operation Sophia. Does this not reduce the operational effectiveness of the Irish mission and eliminate any training added value of a multilateral engagement? Does it not also mean we do not know with the return of the LE Samuel Beckett this week whether Ireland will continue to engage due to the size of overheads and questions over the sustainability of the operation? I appreciate there may be a triple lock issue. Has the Department any view on how we can accommodate both our triple lock traditions with our humanitarian approach? Again, I compliment the Naval Service on its work and hope it continues.
If we were to participate in the full mission, a number of caveats would be involved. The naval operation against human smugglers and traffickers in the Mediterranean, Operation Sophia, is one element of the comprehensive EU response to the crisis. The EU operation was launched at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 22 June 2015. Its mission is to identify, capture and dispose of vessels and enabling assets used, or suspected of being used, by migrant smugglers are traffickers.
The objectives are not only to obstruct the activities of smugglers and traffickers but to also prevent further loss of life at sea and to reduce the suffering and exploitation of migrants caused by criminal organisations. Ireland is committed to addressing the humanitarian aspect of the crisis arising from the large numbers of migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean. While Ireland is fully supportive of the EU response to the crisis, there are no plans to deploy Naval personnel or vessels to the EU mission at this time. In addition-----
The Minister of State should be brief because he has gone over time.
I congratulate the Irish Defence Forces, which include the Air Corps, the Army and the Naval Service on receiving the European Movement award yesterday in Dublin. The award was presented by the Taoiseach to the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces.
